'GRAND' PLAN: If the weather cooperates, the Yankees plan to have Curtis Granderson play in minor-league games today and tomorrow in order to have the center fielder ready for Thursday's season-opener against the Tigers. Photo: ap

TAMPA — Curtis Granderson’s chances of being in center field for the Yankees’ Opening Day game Thursday against the Tigers may hinge on today’s weather.

“If it doesn’t rain, I will play [in a minor-league] game [today],” Granderson said after last night’s game against the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field was rained out. “Everything feels good. There have been no setbacks, I continue to move forward.”

Granderson suffered a right oblique muscle strain March 22 during batting practice and hasn’t played since. The injury ruined a solid spring for the left-handed hitter who batted .385 (15-for-39) with three homers and seven RBIs.

Of course, if Granderson doesn’t make it for Opening Day it doesn’t mean he is headed for the DL. If the Yankees believe he could be ready Saturday or Sunday, they wouldn’t shelve him.

And it’s not like they don’t have capable options in center.

Brett Gardner, who some believe is better equipped to play center than Granderson, simply would move from left to center. Acquired from the Brewers last week for Sergio Mitre, Chris Dickerson can also play center. However, he is battling a left hamstring problem.

Andruw Jones, signed to play the corner outfield spots against lefties, won 10 Gold Gloves in center and could fill in an emergency.

One factor in deciding whether Granderson plays Thursday is New York’s weather. Temperatures are expected to be in the 50s, which is OK for late March in The Bronx but not ideal for a baseball player with a rib cage problem.

The Yankees are home until April 7, go to Boston for three games and return to Yankee Stadium for six games against the Orioles and Rangers through April 17 before playing two games indoors at Tropicana Field against the Rays.

So, weather in New York could be a factor just like the weather in Florida.